Sprayfoam: the Perfect Insulation for Your Pipes

Modern technology affords us substantial conveniences that many take for granted. Those who own a home on the other hand are much more astute when it comes to the condition of their home, and the pipes are no exception. In modern construction, great attention is paid to the insulation, soundproofing, and sealing of various types of pipes used for ventilation, sewer, cold and hot water supply, heating mains, oil and gas pipelines, and other utility networks. There are a lot of different insulation materials to achieve this purpose, thus we are going to be comparing spray foam vs fiberglass, mineral wool, and liquid insulation.

 

Here are some of the most common problems that happen to pipes:

• Leaks commonly caused by corrosion, high water pressure, or joint issues, leading to water damage and increased utility bills.
• Clogs often occur due to the accumulation of grease, hair, soap scum, or foreign objects in drain and waste pipes, resulting in slow drainage or backups.
• Copper or galvanized steel can corrode, leading to leaks and potential water contamination.
• Low water pressure can be caused by leaks and buildup.
• Frozen pipes: in cold climates, water inside pipes can freeze, causing them to burst and resulting in water damage and costly repairs. 
• Noisy pipes are a consequence when water flow is abruptly stopped, causing pipes to bang against walls or other pipes, potentially leading to damage.
• Root Intrusions: Tree roots can grow into sewer lines, causing blockages and leaks, necessitating professional intervention.
• Improper Installation: poorly installed pipes can lead to leaks, improper drainage, and other issues, requiring corrective measures to ensure proper functioning.
• Aging pipes may become brittle and prone to cracks and leaks, requiring replacement or repair to prevent water damage.

 

Liquid Pipe Insulation: Mineral Wool, Polyurethane Foam, and Liquid Insulation

 

Mineral wool is one of the main competitors to spray foam for pipe insulation. Also known as rock wool or slag wool, this is a material made from volcanic rock or industrial waste byproducts. It is quite reliable as a fireproof material and, at first glance, easy to install. However, mineral wool has several significant disadvantages.

 

Firstly, mineral wool can be harmful to the human body: it is allergenic, contributes to the possibility of respiratory diseases, including asthma, and can encourage the growth of cancer cells in the body. Secondly, mineral wool is not particularly moisture-resistant, requiring it to be additionally complemented with waterproofing material around pipes. On top of that, a protective casing must be installed to maintain the integrity of the waterproofing. These are extra costs that one will have to incur if one is to go with this option. On top of that mineral wool only lasts 20-30 years and its insulation properties degrade in a relatively short amount of time.

 

Polyurethane spray foam is also frequently used for pipe insulation. Polyurethane spray foam is composed of two main chemical components: isocyanate and polyol resin. When these two components are mixed together during the application process, they react and expand rapidly to form a rigid roam, enabling it to fill any cracks or small spaces and stick to the surface. This foam structure is characterized by millions of tiny, closed cells filled with a gas that enhances its insulation. For that reason, the R value of spray foam insulation, is far and away the highest at up to R-6 or R-7. The closed-cell spray foam R value is excellent for preventing freezing. Even the open cell variety’s spray foam R value matches up well with all other competing materials.

It can be sprayed on either by the homeowner or by a professional and be used in the form of a shell with a longitudinal cut. Polyurethane foam is virtually waterproof and resistant to aggressive environments, pests, and building pressures. Spray foam sound insulation is pretty high-quality as well. It does however require protection from UV rays. The seam must also be sealed with mounting tape.

 

Liquid insulation has also proven itself as a heat-insulating building material that is resistant to negative environmental influences. It is a type of coating applied to pipes with a brush, spray, or roller. It forms a seamless, flexible, and protective film once it dries. However, the price of liquid insulation is significantly higher than all the aforementioned building materials, it is not particularly fireproof, and may demand frequent maintenance.

Using Spray Foam for Pipe Work

 

Of all the above building materials, polyurethane foam has a number of undeniable advantages, rendering its use the most widespread and popular. These advantages include:

•  An excellent temperature protection range of -328°F to +195°F
•  High thermal insulation performance, reducing heat loss by up to four times
•  Minimal moisture absorption rates
•  Strength
•  Minimized risk of pipe damage
• Environmental Friendliness: the material reduces greenhouse gasses emitted over time
• Rot resistance
• Ease of installation
• Durability: lasts from 50 to 100 years or more
• Hypoallergenic: spray foam insulation R value nearly doubles that of competing materials
• Economic Efficiency: Requires less labor and takes up less space in your home

 

Foam insulation for pipes consists of half-cylinders, or segments, which are assembled into a shell using a grooved locking connection. This shell can be secured with mounting tape or special tightening tapes if necessary. Then, a hand saw or knife is used to trim the shell to size. One major advantage of polyurethane foam is that no additional insulation or protection is required for underground pipe installations. However, for above-ground installations, protection from UV rays and vandalism protection is necessary.

 

When installing a foam shell, no additional accessories like fasteners or glue will be needed. When laying pipes underground, there is no need to pour a concrete tray. The foam shell is easy to dismantle and can be reused. It withstands prolonged contact with all types of pipes, aggressive environmental influences, and a broad range of chemicals.

 

The only caveat when working with foam shells is one must ensure that their diameter is not larger than that of the pipe. The insulation must fit tightly to the structure. This ensures that the building material retains all its declared properties and will not require replacement. Sometimes, the entire length of finished insulation is wrapped with tape for added reliability, but this is optional, as the shell handles all of that without requiring additional accessories.

 

The Variety of Pipe Conditions Spray Foam Addresses

In construction, spray foam is used for all types of pipes, both outside buildings and within various interior spaces. The shell is available in different diameters, broadening the scope of its application:

• Insulation
• Thermal insulation
• Waterproofing
• Noise insulation

 

Foam shells are used to insulate pipes in unheated attics, significantly reducing condensation formation and therefore evaporation in the room. This helps maintain stable temperature and humidity levels, extending the room’s service life and preventing dampness.

 

To insulate pipes inside heated rooms, spray foam is used to reduce heat loss generated for water supply and heating, handles noise and vibration for sewer and water supply systems, and protects all utility networks from corrosion.

 

When laying external water supply and sewer networks, it is crucial to consider the climate of the area. For the northern states, insulating all types of pipes is essential. Foam shells for water supply and sewer systems render them suitable for use in all weather conditions. Even when there is significant soil freezing, the material prevents water from freezing in the system, maintaining the system’s throughput capacity.

 

For southern states, it is important to protect pipes from corrosion, heat, and heat loss. Another main advantage of using spray foam insulation for pipes is its ability to protect them during soil deformation.

 

Installation of Foam Shells

 

The installation of foam shells for outdoor work is very straightforward. Not only can a professional builder manage it, but so can a novice. The process begins with digging a trench, compacting the bottom and covering it with a 2-inch layer of coarse or medium-grain sand. In the Northeastern states, extra insulation can be added with foam boards. Using spray foam insulation (closed cell and open cell) allows pipes to easily be kept higher than the soil’s freezing point, which significantly reduces cost and installation time.

 

Next, the pipeline is assembled on the surface, ensuring the strength of all connections and the integrity of all elements to prevent damage and leaks. After preparatory work is done, the finished pipeline is carefully lowered into the trench. Two (or more, depending on the pipe diameter) half-cylinders are then placed around it and secured using a grooved locking connection. If necessary, the shell joints can be sealed with foil tape for better protection.

 

Spray foam closed cell protects all types of external and internal pipes from heating, freezing, condensation, and corrosion. It also serves as a vibration and noise-absorbing material. The shell acts as an excellent waterproofing material, retaining even the smallest moisture particles, resisting nearly all chemicals, and preventing pipe damage and deformation. In today’s world, the need for insulation is driven by the necessity to reduce heating costs and maximize thermal energy savings.

 

Final Thoughts

 

Thus, today, pipe insulation performed by a spray foam insulation machine is rightfully recognized as the most cost-effective method. In order for you to better understand what your insulation needs are going to be, you would benefit from having a professional spray foam insulation company come out. Ecothermix produces green spray foam that will work wonders for the condition of your pipes and we will send one of our experts to punch your factors into our spray foam insulation cost calculator and provide you a ballpark estimate.

 

Get in touch with Ecothermix and set your spray foam insulation appointment today.

 

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